1 · Be able to foil safely

Before you ride distances you should handle starting, gliding, turning and controlled dismounts – ideally through pump foil or prone foil on calm water. Help is not always close on open water.

2 · Safety and equipment

A buoyancy or impact vest, helmet, suitable thermal protection, a leash plan and a phone secured in a waterproof case are part of it. Define entry and exit points and share your route and timetable.

3 · Read wind and bumps

Wind swell builds when wind acts on open water over enough distance (fetch). Learn to read wind direction, gusts and swell lines, and first watch from shore how bumps build.

4 · Bump linking with a paddle

With a paddle (SUP or prone) you practise getting from paddling into gliding, holding a bump and switching cleanly to the next. Start in moderate wind and on short runs.

5 · Parawing and wing basics

Parawing and wing give you power from the wind but demand clean handling on shore and on the water. Practise handling, water starts and emergency routines separately from long runs.

6 · Plan the run

A good run has fetch, a fitting wind direction, exits and a way back (shuttle, second car, public transport). Check the forecast, local rules, shipping traffic and protected areas.

Paddle

You paddle onto a bump and glide from bump to bump – no sail or wing, just the energy of the water.

Suits: Fit riders who want the classic downwind feel and long lines.

Typical setup: High-volume downwind board (SUP or prone) and a slim high aspect front wing with plenty of glide.

Pros

• No wing or kite handling
• Very direct bump feel
• Little equipment

Cons

• Physically demanding
• Needs enough wind swell
• Way back often only by shuttle

Parawing

A compact pull kite in your hands or on a harness provides power – handy while wind swell is still small.

Suits: Riders who want to get gliding even with little swell and like compact gear.

Typical setup: Small foilboard setup, a parawing in a fitting size, leash and safety concept.

Pros

• Small pack size
• Helps with starts and little swell
• Good for long runs

Cons

• Handling must be learned
• Lines and canopy are a risk in crowds
• Only with a clean safety concept

Wing

The wing provides power and lets you ride in both directions – downwind is only one of several options.

Suits: Wingfoilers who want to use existing gear for distance runs.

Typical setup: Wingfoil setup with a fitting wing size and a front wing with a bit more glide.

Pros

• Use gear you already own
• Control over power
• A way back is not ruled out

Cons

• Wing stays bulky on shore and on the water
• More setup than paddle
• Gusts demand practice

FoilDrive

Electric assist on the foil helps with starting and bridging lulls.

Suits: Riders who want to link runs more safely or have little wind.

Typical setup: Foil with electric drive, spare battery planning and a plan for an empty battery.

Pros

• Bridge wind holes
• Helps starting
• Extra range

Cons

• Battery planning needed
• Weight and price
• Check local rules for powered craft

Netherlands · In focus

Markermeer

The Markermeer is a large, open inland sea between Amsterdam, Lelystad and Enkhuizen. According to the community map it has runs such as Almere/Lelystad (about 27 km), Volendam–Oosterleek (about 15 km) and Wijdenes–Enkhuizen (about 10 km). Watch shallow zones and shipping traffic.

Netherlands

IJsselmeer

Lots of open water and long wind fetch: Workum, Hindeloopen, Lemmer and Stavoren are typical places. The map lists runs such as Stavoren–Hindeloopen and Stavoren–Workum.

Netherlands

Brouwersdam / Zeeland

Wind, open water and a mix of inland and coastal venues. Tides and currents deserve extra respect here.

Germany

Fehmarn

Established foil and wing scene with several orientations; paddle and parawing downwind are already discussed there.

Austria

Achensee

Thermal-driven alpine lake with a long water surface, windy and sporty – better for advanced riders.

Austria

Neusiedler See

A very shallow, wide lake with plenty of wind and chop; more about chop than big swells.

Switzerland

Silvaplana & Urnersee

Alpine venues with strong thermals and an established wind sports scene. Not beginner spots.